Dusty May addresses challenge of enrolling transfers, Michigan admissions criteria
It’s official: Dusty May is the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball program. On Tuesday, the 18th head coach in program history held his introductory press conference. And there were plenty of things for May to address.
One of the biggest topics for Michigan’s men’s basketball team is how to bring in quality talent that can actually suit up and take the court for the program. Under previous head coach Juwan Howard, there was an issue with key acquisitions’ eligibility, which significantly hampered the team this past season. So, what does May plan on doing to ensure that he does not have to endure the same struggles as his predecessor? According to the new Michigan head coach, it’s all about doing things by the book.
“I was an assistant coach at the University of Florida and it was very similar; there’s an academic mission of the university that’s never going to change. And our job, as coaches, is to find student athletes that match and value that mission as well,” said May.
“Sometimes, it’s just like the Louisville thing; social media takes off, and it becomes a narrative. And it’s impossible to respond to or even counter,” he explained. “So, to answer your question, we will be very thorough; we’ll do the homework as much as possible and try to find the best guys for us.”
The Michigan men’s basketball program has a lot of work ahead of it to rebuild and find themselves in the hunt for a national championship. To start the 2023-24 season, Michigan had just 11 scholarship players, two fewer than their allotted amount (13). Heading into the off-season, it is likely that that number will dip below 10, making it imperative that May rebuilds the roster not only on the high school recruiting trail but likely through the NCAA transfer portal this summer.
John Beilein congratulates May following his hire as the next Michigan HC
The Wolverines found their next men’s basketball coach in former Florida Atlantic head coach Dusty May. There is plenty of excitement surrounding the hire, as May has shown significant promise as a young and upcoming head coach in the game.
Recently, one former Michigan head coach was so enamored with the hire that he had to take to social media to share his jubilation. Former Wolverines men’s basketball head coach John Beilein, the predecessor of Juwan Howard, whom May now replaces, had this to say about the new head of the program.
“It’s exciting to see @CoachDustyMay as the MBB coach at @umichbball. He has had great success as a HC and assistant and has worked hard for many years for this fabulous opportunity. Anytime he asks, I will be available to help him. Congrats, Dusty, Anna, and family! #goblue,” said Beilein via X.